Teach English in China's Major Cities: Shanghai & Beijing Jobs 2027 | ESLstarter
📣 Hiring Immediately! Teach English in China! Training and Full Support Provided.
Teach English in China's major cities
Teach children aged 3 to 16 in Shanghai, Beijing and more with English 1, a school group with 200+ centres across China. Visa sponsorship, a flight allowance, training and no placement fee through ESLstarter.
English teaching jobs in Shanghai, Beijing and beyond
Start your teaching career with English 1, an established English school group for young learners, with over 30 years in China and 200+ centres in more than 50 cities.
This is an entry-level role with real room to grow. You'll teach children aged 3 to 16 using English 1's award-winning multimedia curriculum, with all your materials provided, and the chance to build qualifications such as the Trinity CertPT while you work.
Recent graduates, final-year students and experienced teachers are all welcome. Want something smaller? See our public school jobs in Sichuan or all teaching jobs in China.
Your China package
A package worth up to RMB 20,000 a month, depending on your city, qualifications and experience.
Competitive salary, plus a performance bonus after 6 months
Help with the cost of getting to China
Sponsored legal work visa, with expenses reimbursed
Up to 2 weeks' hotel stay while you find a flat*
10 days of paid leave plus 11 public holidays
International health insurance, co-paid
TEFL certification, plus distance courses including Trinity CertPT and DELTM
Free Chinese lessons, plus social and cultural activities
Assistance getting from the airport when you arrive
*The hotel stay counts as a sponsorship once you complete your first-year contract. If the contract ends early, the cost must be repaid.
The role
- Teach English to children aged 3 to 16
- Plan and deliver engaging lessons using English 1's multimedia technology and curriculum
- Use the materials provided for every lesson
- Assess students and guide their progress
- Join social activities that help students learn English in a fun, immersive way
Who can apply?
- A bachelor's degree in any subject (final-year students can apply)
- A TEFL certificate (TEFL sponsorship available)
- A passport from the USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia or New Zealand (a Chinese visa requirement)
- A clear background check
- Able to commit to living in China for at least a year
No TEFL yet? You need one for your Z visa. Our partner TEFL UK's 120-hour TEFL is online, from just £63, and many people finish in 3–4 weeks. For the best-paid roles, go further with the Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL from £239.
Get TEFL certified from £63Why English 1?
- Over 30 years in China, with 200+ centres in 50+ cities
- Passionate about helping young people succeed, in school and in life
- Up-to-date lessons designed for local learners to global standards
- A professional, creative team of educators
- Safe, happy, modern classrooms
- Support and training to help you grow your career
How it works
Apply with ESLstarter
Send the form below. We'll check your eligibility and documents.
Interview
A video interview with English 1, with tips from us beforehand.
Offer and documents
Choose your city and prepare your degree, TEFL and background check for your visa.
Z work visa
Your visa is sponsored, and we guide you through the paperwork.
Fly to China
Airport pick-up assistance, a hotel while you settle in and training before you teach.
Teaching in China: your questions answered
How much do English teachers earn in China's major cities?
With English 1, the package is worth up to RMB 20,000 a month, including a competitive salary and a performance bonus after 6 months. You also receive a flight allowance, 10 days of paid leave plus 11 public holidays, co-paid international health insurance and a sponsored Z work visa.
Which cities can I teach in?
English 1 has 200+ centres in more than 50 cities across China, including Shanghai and Beijing. We'll talk through your preferred locations when you apply.
Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach in China?
Yes, a TEFL certificate is required for your Z work visa. If you don't have one yet, TEFL sponsorship is available, or you can take our 120-hour TEFL course online from £63.
Can I apply before I finish my degree?
Yes. Final-year students can apply before graduating, but you'll need your bachelor's degree certificate before your Z visa can be processed.
Which nationalities can apply?
To meet China's visa regulations, you must be a citizen of the USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, and able to get a clear background check.
Is accommodation provided?
English 1 sponsors up to 2 weeks in a hotel when you arrive, while you find your own apartment. This hotel stay is counted as a sponsorship once you complete your first-year contract. If the contract ends early, the cost has to be repaid.
Ready to teach in China?
English 1 is hiring now. Applying takes five minutes, and our service is free.
